Air-Fryer Corn: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a great way to cook corn, giving it a crisp and crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It's faster than a conventional oven, and you don't need to heat up the kitchen on hot summer evenings. Air-fried corn on the cob is a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty side dish that pairs well with just about any main course. You can cook fresh or frozen corn in the air fryer, and it's a great vegan option if you use oil instead of butter.

How to prepare corn for the air fryer

Preparing corn for the air fryer is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose the Right Corn

Select good, sweet corn that your family enjoys eating. Look for corn with plump kernels that are set close together, with bright green, tightly closed husks. The silks, or long hair-like strands, should be light brown and slightly sticky, indicating freshness. Avoid corn with dark, dry, or black silks as it is likely too old.

Step 2: Remove the Husks and Silks

Before cooking, remove the husks and silk from the corn. This step is crucial as the silks can burn in the air fryer before the corn is fully cooked.

Step 3: Cut the Corn to Fit (if needed)

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the ends of the corn or cut the ears in half to ensure they fit in the basket.

Step 4: Season the Corn

Rub the corn with olive oil or vegetable oil to help it cook evenly and achieve a golden brown colour. You can use a spoon to drizzle the oil or a non-aerosol oil spray. Then, sprinkle the corn with salt and pepper to taste. Some recipes also suggest adding other seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, or garlic powder. It is recommended not to salt the corn before cooking, as it may make the corn tough.

Step 5: Place Corn in the Air Fryer

Arrange the seasoned corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between the cobs for proper air circulation. Do not stack the corn.

Step 6: Cook the Corn

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 370-400°F (188-204°C). Cook the corn for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned, flipping the corn halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the corn is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favourite toppings and seasonings. Some popular options include butter, chives, pepper, crumbled cheese, bacon, sour cream, and various spices.

The benefits of cooking corn in an air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a convenient, quick, and healthy way to cook a variety of foods, including corn. Here are some of the benefits of cooking corn in an air fryer:

Speed and Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the speed and convenience it offers. Air fryers cook corn much faster than traditional methods such as boiling or grilling. With an air fryer, you can have perfectly cooked corn in under 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. No more waiting for water to boil or dealing with the hassle of firing up the grill!

Taste and Texture

Air fryers circulate hot air around the corn, creating a crisp and crunchy exterior while keeping the interior tender, juicy, and full of flavour. The high temperature of the air fryer seals in the natural juices and enhances the sweet, roasted taste of the corn. The olive oil or butter used in air fryer recipes also adds to the rich flavour and helps achieve a desirable golden brown colour.

Health Benefits

Air frying is often considered a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. It requires little to no oil, reducing the overall fat content of the dish. Additionally, air frying minimizes the loss of nutrients that can occur with boiling, so you get to retain more of the vitamins and minerals found in corn.

Ease of Use

Air fryers are incredibly easy to use, making them perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Simply rub the corn with oil or butter, season, and place in the air fryer basket. There's no need to preheat the air fryer, and clean-up is typically quick and straightforward.

Versatility

Air fryers offer a versatile cooking option, allowing you to cook corn in a variety of ways. You can season your corn with different herbs and spices, or even top it with vegan mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, or chili powder to create unique and delicious flavours. Air fryers also enable you to cook other dishes, such as bacon, potatoes, and cauliflower, expanding your meal options.

In conclusion, cooking corn in an air fryer offers numerous benefits, including speed, convenience, enhanced taste and texture, health benefits, ease of use, and versatility. It's a great way to enjoy perfectly cooked corn without the fuss of traditional cooking methods.

How to season corn for the air fryer

Air fryer corn on the cob is a quick and easy dish to make, and a great way to cook corn. The air fryer seals in the flavours, giving you a juicy interior and a charred exterior.

To season corn for the air fryer, you can follow these steps:

• Pick a good sweet corn that your family loves to eat.
• Remove the husks and silk strands from the corn.
• Brush the corn with olive oil. This helps the corn to ""air fry" and not stick to the air fryer. It also helps the seasonings to stick.
• Season the corn with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can add seasonings like paprika, thyme, or Cajun seasoning. You can also brush the corn with a mixture of butter and seasonings, like garlic and herb butter, or Italian seasoning.
• Place the corn in the basket of your air fryer.
• Cook the corn in the air fryer at 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.

You can also cook frozen corn in the air fryer, but make sure it is completely thawed first. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.

How to cook corn in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Corn
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Butter
• Chives
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Lime juice (optional)

Method

• Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Cut off the ends or cut the ears in half if needed to fit in the air fryer.
• Rub or brush the corn with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Place the corn in the basket of your preheated air fryer. Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 12-15 minutes or until tender, turning once halfway through.
• Remove the corn from the air fryer and rub or brush with butter. Sprinkle with chives, pepper, and any other desired toppings.

Tips

• If you want a darker roasted corn, cook for a few extra minutes.
• Do not stack the corn in the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes to ensure a short cooking time.
• Frozen corn can also be cooked in the air fryer. Cook for a few extra minutes if the corn isn't thawed.

How to store leftover air-fried corn

Storing leftover air-fried corn is simple. If you plan to eat it within three days, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the corn in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

To freeze the corn, first, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in the freezer-safe containers and freeze. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen corn, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge or add a little extra time to the reheating process.

To reheat your leftover air-fried corn, wrap the corn in a lightly damp paper towel and microwave it in 30-second intervals. Alternatively, you can wrap the corn in foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until it's warmed to your liking.

Frequently asked questions